Blocking through Cinderella

Today, the casting list was revealed for 'Cinderella, The Panto'. I am one of the villagers. We had to block through the beginning of Act One of the show. So far I have to sell bread and react to 'The Baroness entering from stage left. I need to be more alert and listen to stage directions straight away. I also need to make sure that I keep the correct posture at all times.

This diagram illustrates some of the different postures that people can adopt when on stage or otherwise. The image on the far right demonstrates the way in which an actor should stand. Both feet should be on the ground, hip width apart, with all the toes on the ground. The spine should be straight, with the bottom tucked in and the shoulders down. The beck should also be straight and the head should be facing forward. This posture is also ideal for singing as this video explains:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XO2lJCTPcjM

It is interesting that the Baroness enters from stage left as she is the villain in this pantomime and it is tradition that the evil villain to enter from stage left. It is also tradition that the fairy enters from stage right, as is done in this pantomime. The reason for this is that it comes from earlier theatre and religious plays where heaven was always portrayed on the right and hell on the left. The 'left and right superstition' is also demonstrated by people throwing salt over your left shoulder (into the face of the devil) and when the left palm itches it is a sign of poverty, but with the right it is the sign of wealth. Also the left ear itching is a sign that someone is talking about you behind your back. In addition, in Da Vinci's painting of The Last Supper, Judas Iscariot (the man who betrayed Jesus) is sat to the left of Christ. Another tradition is that the good fairy transfers her wand from her right hand to her left when dealing with evil foes.

It is ideal to volunteer for any extra roles, as an actor should take every opportunity to act and regardless of the number of lines you have it is important to poor yourself into any role. I also need to work on establishing my status as a character. Here is a video that shows how an actor can use body language, posture and the voice to show different levels of status.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/drama-creating-status/9895.html